Forensic Science Technician by Rachel Keller

1: Job Description & Responsibilities

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:16:50 UTC

This job includes collecting, classifying, and analyzing physical evidence that is related to a criminal investigation. Many tests will be performed on weapons or substances like hair. There are specialized areas of fingerprints and biochemistry. A weekday may include collecting evidence from a crime scene, keeping records and reports of labs and findings, or documenting crime scenes. Many days are spent in a lab analyzing evidence.

https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/19-4092.00

2: Working Conditions

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:17:28 UTC

Your work environment would mostly consist of being in a crime lab. Some technicians may be at the actual crime scene to help gather evidence. Most technicians work 40 hours or week while others are on call and their hours may vary. Most of the time you will be working at the crime scene or lab with a team of people. Both physically and emotionally the job will be demanding depending on the possible case you may be working.

https://www.pa.gov/en.html

3. Local Earnings and Benefits

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:17:40 UTC

The expected salary in PA is 50K a year. There is a below average need for this job in PA but nationwide new job opportunities are very likely. The average wage is $18-21 an hour in PA. They provide paid time off, holidays, health insurance, and life insurance.

https://www.mynextmove.org/profile/state/19-4092.00

4: Employment Trends

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:17:50 UTC

About 1,000 people hold this job in PA. Police departments, crime labs, morgues, and coroners' offices employ the people working under this job. There are many different crime labs around Pennsylvania or around the country. We have six regional forensic labs in PA.

https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=forensic%20technician&l=Pennsylvania&from=searchOnDesktopSerp

5: Qualifications

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:18:14 UTC

For this job, you will need a bachelor's degree in chemistry, bio, forensic science, or a close related field. You will also need a minimum of 16 credit hours in chemistry. An associates degree may be sufficient. Common skills to have include attention to detail, math skills, organization, communication, time management, analytical skills, lab skills, team and independent working. Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Statistics, and math courses in high school are great for this job.

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/psp/about-psp/employment/forensic-laboratory-career-opportunities.html#:~:text=Minimum%20Requirements,for%20job%20postings%20of%20interest.

6: Educational Institutions

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:18:30 UTC

Some schools to attend for this field are:

Penn State
Mercyhurst University
University of Pittsburgh
Wester Chester
Alvernia

https://www.forensicscolleges.com/usa/pennsylvania

7: Job Benefits and Drawbacks

rkeller25 — 2024-10-29 18:19:15 UTC

Benefits:

You are an important part to the justice system and help individuals receive justice
Diverse job opportunities with many different subspecialties.

Drawbacks:

Long work hours (especially when on call)
Dangerous work environment

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/pros-cons-of-being-forensic-scientist